As for "Away From Her," Gilmore described the film as a more intimate, character-driven story. "It's a story about love that could have been gone wrong in less skillful hands. It doesn't adhere to the usual, expected formulas. It also shows there's a great variety to our programming."

He's also excited about changes festival officials made to the New Frontier program this year. Seven films are being offered, including the debut of Anthony Hopkins' directorial effort "Slipstream," in which he co-stars with Christian Slater and John Turturro.

The new New Frontier will also feature its own set of panels and workshops, as well as live performances and art exhibitions. "It's the one other area of growth for the festival this year, and we couldn't be happier," Gilmore said.

As always, the festival will be a celebrity-spotter's dream. Expected attendees include Samuel L. Jackson, Queen Latifah, Heather Graham, Antonio Banderas, John Cusack, Dakota Fanning and Lindsay Lohan, all of whom have films in Sundance this year.

And in addition to Park City and Salt Lake City screenings, there will be parties — both official and unofficial — a Music Cafe and an online film festival featuring selected shorts from this year and previous years' events.

If you go

What: Sundance Film Festival 07

Where: Various venues, Park City, Salt Lake City, Ogden, Sundance Resort

When: Through Jan. 28

How much: $15

Phone: 435-658-3456

Web: festival.sundance.org/2007

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E-mail: jeff@desnews.com